O'Toole told councillors conservation is already happening naturally, pointing to the fact water consumption has decreased 22 per cent over the past 15 years.

The water utility does plan to pass on information to low-income customers, through community organizations, to help them manage their water bills. And online tracking of water usage for customers is expected to be available by 2020.

"I look forward to that data becoming available; that will be great progress," said Whitman.